Indianola is the south-metro city that does things differently — and buyers love it for that. Home to Simpson College, the annual National Balloon Classic, and a downtown square that actually still works as a downtown, Indianola has the small-city character that Des Moines suburbs traded away decades ago. The Warren County setting + 25-minute commute to downtown Des Moines + relatively affordable housing makes Indianola one of the metro's most distinctive markets.
Why Indianola has its own pull
- Simpson College anchors the city's identity — a small, well-regarded liberal arts institution that brings cultural events, faculty stability, and an educated demographic to town.
- Indianola Community School District is one of the stronger south-metro options, with a comprehensive academic + activities profile.
- 25-minute commute to downtown Des Moines via Hwy 65/69. Workable for downtown professionals.
- Genuine downtown square — Indianola actually has a functioning historic square with restaurants, shops, and weekend foot traffic. Few Central Iowa cities can say the same.
- The National Balloon Classic — held annually in Indianola, a real cultural draw + city identity piece.
- Affordability vs. north-metro suburbs — Indianola homes typically run $50K-$100K less than equivalent Ankeny inventory.
Indianola neighborhoods — knowing where to look
Historic Indianola (around the downtown square) — Older housing stock, mature trees, walkable to the downtown core. Some restored historic homes with character. Price range: $225K-$450K. Best for: buyers valuing character + walkability + history.
West Indianola (newer subdivisions toward the Hwy 92 corridor) — Mid-2000s and newer construction, established now with mature landscaping. Price range: $300K-$525K. Best for: families wanting newer construction at south-metro pricing.
North Indianola (toward Carlisle border) — Mixed development, some commercial-adjacent. Easy access to the Des Moines commute. Price range: $275K-$450K. Best for: commuter-focused buyers.
South Indianola + acreage edges — Larger lots, hobby-farm potential, more rural feel. Price range: $325K-$700K+ depending on lot size. Best for: buyers wanting space + space.
Simpson College district — Walking-distance-to-campus neighborhoods. Strong investor interest (student rentals), professional rentals (faculty), and owner-occupant character homes. Price range: $250K-$425K.
What the Indianola market looks like right now
- Steady, predictable demand — Indianola doesn't see the boom-bust patterns of the newer-growth suburbs.
- Resale under $400K moves in 14-30 days for properly-priced single-family.
- The historic downtown-adjacent neighborhoods attract a specific buyer (character-seeking) and the right home in the right condition can move very fast.
- Investor activity in the Simpson College corridor creates competition for 3-4 bedroom homes that work as rentals.
- Larger lot / acreage properties can take longer to sell — narrower buyer pool, often 30-90+ days.
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Schools in Indianola
- Indianola High School — Single high school, strong academic + activities profile, established athletic program.
- Indianola Middle School — Single middle school for the district.
- Multiple elementary schools — Emerson, Whittier, Wilder, plus the smaller satellite elementaries serving the broader district geography.
- Simpson College — Liberal arts college providing community classes, cultural events, athletic programs open to area residents.
Verify the current attendance zone for any specific address.
Things to do in Indianola
- National Balloon Classic — Annual late-July event, draws 100,000+ over its run. Iconic Iowa event.
- Indianola Historic Square — Restaurants, local shops, Warren County courthouse, weekly farmers market.
- Simpson College events — concerts, lectures, sporting events.
- Lake Ahquabi State Park — 15 minutes south. 770 acres, lake, trails, fishing, camping.
- Summerset State Park — Adjacent to Indianola. Trails, lake, picnic areas.
- Local restaurant scene — Indianola has notable independent dining (Funaro's Deli, La Carreta, Memo's Pizzeria) that draws metro visitors.
- Iowa Wine Trail — Multiple wineries within 30 minutes of Indianola.
- Quick access to Des Moines — downtown events, Wells Fargo Arena, Court Avenue all within 25-30 minutes.
The commute picture
- Downtown Des Moines — 25 minutes via Hwy 65/69.
- South Des Moines + airport corridor — 15-20 minutes.
- West Des Moines — 30 minutes.
- Indianola itself — 5 minutes anywhere in the city.
Investor + house hacking in Indianola
Indianola has stronger investor dynamics than most Central Iowa suburbs:
- Simpson College student rentals — Single-family near campus rents to student groups. Annual lease cycles aligned with academic year.
- Faculty + staff rentals — Simpson employees often rent before buying. Steady rental demand.
- Walk-out ranches work well as house hacks throughout the city.
- Lower entry prices than north-metro markets mean better cap rates for the math.
Full house hacking playbook here →
What clients say about working with me
"Working with Jackson was a pleasure. He is always extremely professional and keeps everyone in the transaction up to speed every step of the way."
— David R., Realtor partner (Verified review)
Ready to make a move in Indianola?
Indianola rewards buyers who know the city's distinct character + the difference between the downtown-adjacent, college-corridor, and outer-residential sub-markets. I work this market and the broader south-metro corridor regularly:
Nearby Central Iowa communities
Considering options outside Indianola? Norwalk sits just north — newer construction, closer Des Moines commute. Carlisle is northeast with rural-edge character. Cumming is west — quiet, smaller, growing.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.